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Cub Scout Pack 33
(Galloway, Ohio)
 
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The Bobcat Trail



The requirements for the Bobcat Trail can be found in every Cub Scout Guidebook.


Welcome all new Cub Scouts to your Scouting adventure!  As every new scout begins his journey, no matter what level he begins, Tiger through Arrow of Light, he will need to complete the requirements to earn his BOBCAT badge before he earns his respective "Rank Badge" (the badge level he is working on with his Den).  There are 7 Steps to complete, but each one will help you and your young Cub Scout understand the backbone of Scouting.

***  Please note that, as your Cub Scout's parent/guardian, you are officially his Akela (leader) & can therefore sign off whenever he has completed any or all 7 Steps of the Bobcat Trail.  Be sure to sign the Handbook & to show it to his den leader! ***

So, without more delay, let me help you with the Cub Scout 4-1-1!

Step 1 - the Scout Oath


The Scout Oath
On my honor 
I will do my best 
to do my duty to God 
and my country 
and to obey the Scout Law; 
to help other people at all times; 
to keep myself physically strong, 
mentally awake, 
and morally straight.


As a Cub Scout, you should not only LEARN to say the Oath, but you should also KNOW what it means when asked (younger Scouts may have help with this part). Don't worry, if you get stuck, just keep trying - your scout brothers & Akela will help you along the way!
 

Step 2 - The Law of the Pack


 
The Scout Law (replaces the Law of the Pack)
A Scout is trustworthy, 
loyal, helpful, 
friendly, courteous, 
kind, obedient, 
cheerful, thrifty, 
brave, clean, 
and reverent.

As a Cub Scout, you should learn the Scout Law, be able to repeat it to your leader (Tigers and Wolves may have help), and to tell what it means. With many scouts, this one may be forgotten over time, but you will always need to know & practice the principles of the Law of the Pack.

FYI: Even though the word Akela is no longer part of the Scout Promise or Scout Law, it is still an important part of the Cub Scout program. In case you wonder about "What does Akela mean?" Akela is your den & pack leaders, parents, teachers, or any other leader your may follow.

Step 3 - The Cub Scout Sign


Make the sign with your RIGHT hand.  Hold the first 2 fingers up in a V, with your arm held straight up.

The two fingers stand for two parts of the Scout Oath - "TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE" and "TO OBEY."  They look like a wolves ears ready to listen to Akela. Give the Cub Scout sign when you say the "Scout Oath" and the "Scout Law." At many Council, District, Pack and Den events, the Scout Sign also will be used as a way to ask the scouts to Be Quiet, Please. So if you hear, "Signs Up!" you know to put your Wolf Ears high and zip the lips.  :-)


Got it?  Now let's practice it with your Scout Oath at your next meeting!  

Step 4 - The Cub Scout Handshake


Doesn't EVERY good boys' club just have to have a "secret handshake?"  Well, ours isn't too secret with MILLIONS of boys (young & old) running around in the world knowing it, but you get the idea!




Using your right hand, place your first two fingers along the inside of the other boy's wrist. This means that you help and that you obey the Scout Law.



Now, make sure to show your den leader that you have completed this step by doing the Handshake with him/her or one of your Cub Scout brothers at your next meeting!  Practice makes perfect!

And guess what?  You are HALF-WAY through your Bobcat Trail!

Step 5 - The Cub Scout Motto


Okay, so I think you should have NO problem with this one at all...Just three little words. The Cub Scout motto is incredibly simple & easy to remember:


Do Your Best


As our guiding principle, we hope that the boys not only practice this motto at Scouting meetings and events, but also everywhere in life!

Step 6 - The Cub Scout Salute


 All salutes are ways of showing respect: respect for your flag, respect for leadership, etc.  Cub Scouts are no different. We use our special Cub Scout Salute when in uniform to show respect for our national flag!  Here's how to do it:


Point your first two fingers of your right hand out straight and close together. Touch the tips of the fingers to your cap or if not wearing a cap then to your eyebrow. A salute is a way to show respect. When you salute a leader (either adult or other scout), you show him or her that you respect their position. When you salute the flag, you show that you are proud of your country.


Remember that Cub Scouts only need to use the salute when in uniform; however, they should do it at least once for Akela to show knowledge and understanding of what it means.

Step 7 - Child Protection Exercises



In the front of every boy's Handbook is a pamphlet titled "How to Protect Your Child from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide."  To complete this step, just read through, discuss the information with your Cub Scout, and complete any exercises.  As this is a parent's guide, it MUST be done at home with the parent/guardian.  When complete with this step, remember to sign that Step 7 is complete.

If you need a new copy, you can view this pamphlet online and/or download it from http://www.scouting.org/filestore/ypt/pdf/100-014.pdf.

Have you now done all 7 steps? CONGRATULATIONS!  You have completed the Bobcat Trail and earned your Bobcat Badge!  Your Cub Scout should receive his badge at the next awards ceremony.